If your PC or laptop is regularly locked after only a few minutes of inactivity, it's likely that you need to change the Screen Saver settings. Our Helproom Editor explains how.

How to stop your PC or laptop signing you out

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If your PC or laptop is regularly locked after only a few minutes of inactivity, it's likely that you need to change the Screen Saver settings in Windows. Our Helproom Editor explains how.

QUESTION Frustratingly, my Windows XP PC automatically signs me out when it's inactive for only a few minutes. The Power Settings Control Panel suggests I have 20 minutes before the system enters standby mode, but I'm logged out long before then. Johnoo

HELPROOM ANSWER This isn't a power settings issue, Johnoo, it's a screensaver one. Your system is set to enter standby mode following 20 minutes of inactivity, but the screensaver is clearly configured to kick in much sooner. There is also a security option in XP that requires you to enter your password each time you exit screensaver mode.

To change this behaviour, right-click an empty area of the desktop and select Display Properties. Click the Screen Saver tab in the window that pops up. Increase the time specified in the Wait field, then disable the box next to ‘On resume, password protect'. Click Ok to save your changes.